"Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!" - 'Gold Hat' in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

“Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinking badges!” – ‘Gold Hat’ in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Badges have been used as both ornamental jewellery and as a status symbol since the Middle Ages with heraldic or livery badges worn to signify allegiance to a cause or political figure. Then in the 1840’s it was common to see Enamel Badges being worn on people’s lapels. Nowadays when we think of badges, the first that spring to mind might be a Sheriff’s badge in the Western movies or the Blue Peter badge.

The great thing about a badge is its ability to convey a whole range of information at a glance. This wearable image can capture a wide set of skills and achievements, providing concrete evidence of an individual’s learning and experience. This is the reason why qualified coaches of The Coaching Academy are presented with a TCA Pin Badge in recognition of their achievement, to wear with pride as a sign of their qualification and status as a professional coach. You’ll find when you’ve qualified that your Pin Badge can spark off a whole range of interesting and useful conversations – whether at a networking event or simply in a coffee shop.

I’ve had people ask me about my TCA Pin Badge in places as diverse as on the tube, whilst eating at a restaurant and once by a senior Barclays Bank figure whilst sharing a lift! So if you have not yet been wearing your pin badge, consider dusting it off, getting it out and pinning it to your top. You’ll be surprised how such a small thing can make a big difference. And if you haven’t got your Pin Badge – well you know what you need to do, don’t you!

Qualified TCA Coach and lost your PIN? - Kris will have some TCA Pin badges at Latimer in September, October and November should you wish to pop along and pick one up. Kris will also be at Wychwood Park on 20th September bearing badges.